The proposal looks to take advantage of recent BC Building Code changes that allow for a single stair to be used in some locations. The building code change allows single stairs for residential buildings not more than six storeys, not more than four units per floor and with a travel distance of not more than 25m from any point on a floor and 6m from a unit to an exit. The buildings must also have fire sprinklers, and the design team should ensure there is an adequate water supply for suppression.

Single-stair units are used safely in nearly every other country outside North America and provide equal or better levels of safety for users than double-loaded corridors, which often serve significantly more units, while also allowing for a significant improvement in unit quality, which is critical for the success of denser housing models. Due to the widespread adoption of fire sprinkler systems, apartment buildings already have a significantly better track record than single-family housing for fire safety. Ultimate adoption, though, by municipalities will still depend on the fire department's self-assessed capabilities.